Ventilation system for protective apparel

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a cape for protecting a user from containments. The cape includes a neck portion adapted to be secured to a neck of the user and a main body portion having opposing front and rear portions extending from the neck portion adapted to cover the user. A translucent window assembly is provided on a front portion of the cape for providing visual access to a user&#39;s personal item disposed behind a rear portion of the cape. A vent assembly is provided which is coupled to the translucent window assembly for providing ventilation of air above and below the cape.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/778,844 filed on May 12, 2010. Application Ser. No. 12/778,844 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/216,272 filed on May 15, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective coverings, and more particularly to protective capes adapted for hair salon patrons and employees.

2. Description of Related Art

There are many types of protective coverings and garments available to protect one's clothes from the damaging effects of dirt, chemicals, and moisture. For instance, in hair care establishments, these garments are most commonly in the form of a cape or apron.

Such protective apparel is worn by both hairdressers and clients as protection against chemicals and shampoos while shampooing, treating, cutting, or dying a client's hair. For barber shop or salon clients, which include young children to older adults, the cape also tends to keep irritating hair clippings away from clothes and skin. Traditionally, the capes are fabricated from a sheet of cloth fabric or synthetic material such as nylon or plastic, which is draped over the client's shoulders and tied or clasped together in the front or back of the client's neck.

Although prior art capes utilized in salons provide adequate protection, in today's environment of reliance upon personal electronic devices (e.g., a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cell phone, a smart phone such as iPhone®™ or Blackberry®™, an electronic reading device such as the Amazon Kindle®™ or Apple iPad®™, a music playing device such as an iPod®™ or other MP3 player, or game device such as the Nintendo DS®™), there is currently a drawback to using such prior art capes.

For example, a user of a cape is prevented from gaining access to their personal electronic device, which at times is a necessity. For instance, a user typically retains their cell phone around their waist portion (e.g., secured to a belt) or in a pocket. Thus, when a user is wearing a protective cape and is required to gain access to their cell phone for an important call or message (e.g., to determine who is trying to reach them, which may be an emergency situation), the user is forced to manipulate or remove the protective cape, which interrupts the ongoing procedure. Further, a protective cape user who is having a procedure performed upon them may make sudden movements to gain visual access to their personal electronic device thus creating a potentially dangerous situation wherein the user may be exposing themselves to dangerous chemicals by manipulating the cape or to harmful exposure to a pair of hair shears or razor product currently being used in the procedure through sudden body movements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cape for protecting a user from containments. The cape includes a neck portion adapted to be secured to a neck of the user and a main body portion having opposing front and rear portions extending from the neck portion adapted to cover the user with each said front and rear portion having opposing front and rear panels. A translucent window assembly is provided on the front portion of the cape for providing visual access to a user's personal item (e.g., portable electronic devices such as a cell phone, PDA, mp3 player, gaming device or the like) disposed behind the rear panel of the front portion of the cape.

The translucent window assembly may further include a pouch assembly for retaining the user's personal item while providing visual access thereto. The pouch assembly preferably includes a rear panel member secured to the rear panel of the cape having an open end thereof configured to receive the user's personal item in the pouch assembly. Additionally, a headphone cutout portion may be provided in close proximity to the translucent window assembly on the front portion of the cape configured to receive a headphone cord extending from the user's personal item disposed behind the rear panel of the cape.

In certain embodiments, the cape can include a vent assembly operatively associated with the cape for providing ventilation to air above and below the front and rear portions thereof. The vent assembly can be coupled to a translucent window panel affixed to the front portion of the cape, and to a bottom edge of the cape defining the cutout so that the vent assembly is operatively disposed in a substantially elevated position relative to a personal item of the user during use.

In certain embodiments, the vent assembly can be mounted for accordion movement between a closed configuration in which the vent assembly and translucent window panel are substantially flush with the front portion of the cape, and an open configuration in which the vent assembly and translucent window panel extend outward relative to the front portion of the cape. Additionally, the vent assembly and translucent window panel can be configured such that the vent assembly is substantially covered by the translucent window panel in the closed configuration, and substantially uncovered in the open configuration.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the vent assembly and pouch assembly can be coupled to one another such that the vent assembly moves from the closed configuration toward the open configuration when a personal item of the user is inserted into the pouch assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention may be understood with reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention taken together in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a planar front view of the cape according to the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway view of the cape of FIG. 1 depicting the rear panel of the front portion of the cape;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the cape of FIG. 1 provided with a vent assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective front view of the cape of FIG. 3 with the vent assembly in an open configuration; and

FIG. 5 illustrates the cape of FIG. 3 in use during a hair salon procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Application Ser. No. 12/778,844 filed on May 12, 2010 (now published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0287677) and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/216,272, filed May 15, 2009, are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties, and priority is claimed thereto.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 depicts an illustrated embodiment of the cape of the present invention, designated generally by reference numeral 10.

When used in a hair salon, the present invention is a cape 10 designed to protect the user's clothing and skin from coming in contact with undesirable materials such as shampoo, conditioner, hair dye, or cut hair. The cape may be constructed of a liquid impermeable material such as nylon, plastic coated fabric, liquid resistant paper material or any other suitable material and may be designed for either one-time (disposable) or long-term use. While reference is made for use in a hair salon, it is to be understood that use of the present invention cape is not to be understood to be limited to such a hair salon as it may be used for any purpose in which a user desires to be shielded from airborne containments (e.g., painting, chemical solvent dispersion, moisture (rain) and the like). For instance, the present invention cape 10 as described below may be configured as a rain cape including a hood member for shielding a user's head from rain, which rain cape may also include arm slits or slots for permitting a user's arms to extend through the cape 10 when the rain cape is fitted to the user.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention cape 10 preferably comprises a sheet or material fabricated such as described above, with an opening 14 located at the top center portion for fitting about the user's neck. The cape 10 is typically of a triangular or rectangular shape although other shapes are possible. A slit or slot 16 preferably extends between neck opening 14 and a side edge 18 of cape 10, with the slit 16 being formed or defined by facing or opposing edges 20. Typically, complementary fasteners 22 (e.g., buttons, hooks or the like) or fastener strips (e.g., VELCRO®™) are secured to the opposing edges 20 so as to permit the cape 10 to be closed about the neck of a user so that the cape 10 stays in place.

Preferably, the material used to form the cape is precut to a convenient size and shape so that it covers the whole of the user's body when worn. As mentioned above, the material for the cape 10 may be triangular as shown in FIG. 1 or any other shape that will provide complete coverage of the user's body with the option of being large enough to also cover part or all of the user's legs. Head opening 14 is adjustable in some manner so that it may be fitted to each specific user, resulting in a snug and comfortable fit around the user's neck. The design of the cape 10 allows room for wording, logos, drawings, etc. that can be used as advertising space, identification markings or any other purpose.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the front portion 12 of cape 10 is fitted with a window assembly 100 for providing visual access and/or temporarily storing a personal electronic device 110 or other personal items belonging to a user fitted with the cape 10 as described below. It is to be appreciated the personal electronic device 110 or other personal items may include a cellular phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), electronic reading device, document, magazine, book or the like.

The window assembly 100 preferably includes a translucent panel 120 secured to a cutout portion formed in the front portion 12 of the cape. The translucent panel 120 may be constructed of a translucent plastic material designed for one-time (disposable) or long-term use. The translucent panel 120 is secured to the cutout portion through any known means of securing two materials to each other including sewing, adhesives, fastener assemblies (e.g., buttons, clasps, VELCRO®™, etc.) or the like. It is to be appreciated the translucent panel 120 may be either permanently or detachably affixed about the cutout portion on the protective cape 10. The translucent panel 120 provides visual access to a personal electronic device or other items 110 while the user is fitted with the protective cape 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the window assembly 100 may additionally include a rear supporting panel 130 secured to the back 40 of the front portion 12 of cape 10. The rear supporting panel 130 may be formed of the same material comprising the cape 10 or translucent panel 120 and is dimensioned slightly larger than the aforesaid cutout portion formed on the front panel of cape 10 to which translucent panel 120 is secured thereto thereby forming a pouch pocket. Preferably, the opposing side edges 132, 134 and bottom edge 136 of rear supporting panel 130 are secured to the back 40 of the front portion 12 of cape 10 thorough any known adherence means (e.g., sewing, adhesive boding or the like) with the top edge 138 forming an opening to which dispose of and retrieve the aforesaid personal electronic device or other personal items 110 to and from the formed pouch pocket. The rear supporting panel 130 may additionally include a securing member, such as an elastic strap, for securing a personal electronic item or other personal item thereto so as to remain in a stationary position when retained in the pouch pocket formed by the rear supporting panel 130.

It is also to be appreciated that rear supporting panel 130 may be removably secured to the back 40 of the front portion 12 of cape 10 so as to be removable thereform. This is advantageous when a user does not require a pouch pocket assembly for gaining visual access to personal electronic device or other personal items 110 (e.g., when a cellular phone secured to a belt of a user). This can be achieved through any known means for providing such detachable engagement such as buttons, hooks fastener strips (e.g., VELCRO®™) or the like.

Additionally, a small headphone cutout portion 150 may be provided adjacent the window assembly 100 for enabling headphones 200 to extend from a user's personal electronic device residing within the rear supporting panel 130 (when secured to the back of cape 10, as mentioned above) through the front portion 12 of cape 10 and to the user for operation thereof. A small protective panel 152 may be affixed atop the headphone cutout portion 150 forming an open bottom end 156 through which extends a headphone cord 200 so as to prevent containments from entering through the headphone cutout portion 150.

In accordance with another illustrated embodiment, and with reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cape 10 is provided with a vent assembly 300 to allow ventilation of air between the front and rear portions 12, 40 thereof. When the cape 10 is in use, body heat, humidity, and/or heat outputted by any devices utilized by the user under the cape 10 can accumulate, causing condensation or fogging of the translucent window 120 on a rear portion 40 of the cape 10. Such condensation or fogging may occur, for example, on a window surface of the translucent panel 120 and/or on the screen of the device of the user. It is to be appreciated that the translucent panel 120 may be treated with anti-fogging materials to reduce this effect. The vent assembly 300 provides a robust venting structure which can last the lifetime of the cape 10, operate in various configurations thereof, and provide ventilation without compromising the protectiveness of the cape 10 to the user against dirt, chemicals, hair, and other contaminants.

The vent assembly 300 is preferably affixed to the translucent window panel 120 at a bottom edge 310 thereof and extends to a bottom edge 320 of the cutout defined by the cape 10 (FIG. 4). The vent assembly material can be mesh, Gortex or other porous, breathable venting material made from any type of natural or synthetic material, and can be secured to the translucent panel 120 and bottom edge 320 through any suitable means, such as, for example, by sewing, adhesives, fastener assemblies such as buttons, clasps, hooks and fasteners, and the like.

The vent assembly material is preferably configured to unfold in an accordion-like manner from a closed configuration in which the vent assembly 300 and translucent window panel 120 are substantially flush with the front portion 12 of the cape, to the open configuration depicted in FIG. 4. In the open configuration, the vent assembly 300 and translucent window panel 120 extend outward relative to the front portion 12 of the cape 10.

The translucent panel 120 is preferably either permanently or detachably affixed about the side and top edges defining the cutout of the cape 10, but not to the bottom edge 320. Both the vent assembly 300 and the translucent panel 120 are preferably secured to the front portion 12 of cape 10 at corners 410, 420 of the cutout. In this manner, the bottom portion of the translucent panel 120 and remaining material of the vent assembly 300 are free to move outwardly relative to the front portion 12 of the cape 10 while maintaining continuous coverage of the user when a personal electronic device 110 is placed up against the rear portion 40 of the cape 10 and viewed through the translucent panel 120. It will be appreciated that while the sides, top and bottom corners 410, 420 of the panel 120 will remain fixed to the front portion 12 of the cape 10, the remainder of the panel 120 will bow outwardly relative to the front portion 12, and the vent assembly 300 will unfold (e.g., expand like an accordian) at the bottom of the panel 120 to the open configuration of FIG. 4. The bottom edge of the panel 120 is thus preferably constructed to extend beyond and wider than the bottom edge 320 of the cutout in order to both substantially cover the vent assembly 300 in the closed configuration and to allow for outward movement thereof and of the vent assembly 300 relative to the front portion 12.

When no personal electronic device 110 is used, the vent assembly 300 will preferably remain in the closed configuration, and may be substantially covered by the translucent window panel 120. While the vent assembly 300 can be mounted at other locations, it is preferably mounted to the bottom edge of the cutout as described above so as to be operatively disposed in a substantially elevated position relative to a personal item of the user during use as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. Such placement of the vent will allow heated air to rise and exit from under the cape 10, especially in the vicinity of the user's device as depicted in FIG. 5. Such placement also prevents liquids or other debris from entering the underside of the cape 10.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that if the vent assembly 300 is used in conjunction with the pouch assembly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2, it will move from the closed configuration toward the open configuration when a personal item of the user is inserted into the pouch.

In addition to the vent assembly 300 described above, the cape 10 may also be provided with a magnifying portion or fabric magnifier on the translucent panel configured to visually magnify the image of a personal item of the user disposed below the translucent panel member.

By permitting a user access through the protective cape to their personal electronic device (e.g., for communication with others, reading, playing games, listening to music, etc.) without causing excessive heat or moisture accumulation, the user is provided a more pleasant experience during the duration of a procedure being performed upon him or her, such as in a hair salon. For hair care establishments serving younger, more active clients, additional productivity benefits would be derived by focusing attention on an electronic device and maintaining a sedentary client.

The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in varying modifications and alternate embodiments. While a preferred embodiment of the present invention protective cape has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the accompanying drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cape for protecting a user, comprising: a main body having opposed front and rear portions and defining a neck portion and a cutout, the neck portion configured and adapted to be secured to a neck of the user; a translucent window panel affixed to the front portion of the main body and sized to cover the cutout, the translucent window panel configured and adapted for providing visual access to a personal item of the user; and a vent assembly operatively associated with the cape for providing ventilation to air respectively above and below the front and rear portions of the cape, the vent assembly coupled to both the translucent window panel and an edge of the cape defining the cutout.
 2. A cape according to claim 1, wherein the vent assembly is mounted for movement between a closed configuration in which the vent assembly and translucent window panel are substantially flush with the front portion and an open configuration in which the vent assembly and translucent window panel extend outward relative to the front portion.
 3. A cape according to claim 2, wherein the vent assembly is configured and adapted for accordion movement between the open and closed configurations.
 4. A cape according to claim 1, wherein at least one corner portion of the translucent window panel is affixed to the front portion, and at least an adjacent portion of the translucent window panel is movable relative to the front portion.
 5. A cape according to claim 4, wherein the at least one corner portion of the translucent window panel is affixed to the edge of the cape defining the cutout.
 6. A cape according to claim 1, wherein the vent assembly is mounted for movement between a closed configuration in which the vent assembly is substantially covered by the translucent window panel, and an open configuration in which the assembly is substantially uncovered.
 7. A cape according to claim 1, wherein the edge is a bottom edge, whereby the vent assembly is operatively disposed in a substantially elevated position relative to a personal item of the user during use.
 8. A cape according to claim 1, wherein the translucent panel member is detachably affixed to the front portion.
 9. A cape according to claim 1, wherein the translucent panel member is treated with anti-fogging materials.
 10. A cape according to claim 1, wherein the translucent panel member includes a portion configured to visually magnify a personal item of the user disposed below the translucent panel member.
 11. A cape according to claim 1, further comprising a supporting assembly for securing a personal item of the user to the rear portion of the cape.
 13. A cape for protecting a user, comprising: a main body having opposed front and rear portions and defining a neck portion and a cutout, the neck portion configured and adapted to be secured to a neck of the user; a translucent window panel affixed to the front portion of the main body and sized to cover the cutout, the translucent window panel configured and adapted for providing visual access to a personal item of the user; a pouch assembly mounted to the rear portion of the cape adjacent the cutout and configured and adapted to store a personal item of the user; and a vent assembly for providing ventilation to air respectively above and below the front and rear portions of the cape, the vent assembly operatively associated with the pouch and coupled to both the translucent window panel and an edge of the cape defining the cutout.
 14. A cape according to claim 13, wherein the vent assembly is mounted for movement between a closed configuration in which the vent assembly is substantially flush with the front portion and an open configuration in which the vent assembly extends outward relative to the front portion.
 15. A cape according to claim 14, wherein the vent assembly is configured and adapted to move from the closed configuration toward the open configuration when a personal item of the user is inserted into the pouch assembly.
 16. A cape according to claim 13, wherein the pouch assembly includes a rear panel member affixed to the rear portion of the main body such that the rear panel member covers the cutout on a rear side thereof.
 17. A cape for protecting a user, said cape, comprising: a main body portion defining a neck portion adapted to be secured to a neck of the user, the main body portion having opposing front and rear portions; and a pouch assembly provided in the main body, the pouch assembly including: a first cutout portion formed in the main body; a second cutout portion formed in the main body, wherein the second cutout portion is formed adjacent the first cutout portion; a rear panel member affixed to the rear portion of the main body such that the rear panel member covers both the first and second cutout portions and has an open edge portion free from the rear portion of the main body providing user access to a pouch formed between the rear panel member and the rear portion of the main body; and a translucent window panel affixed on the front portion of said main body such that the translucent window panel is sized to cover the first cutout portion and not the second cutout portion, the translucent window panel adapted for providing visual access to a user's personal item disposed in said pouch formed between the rear panel member and the rear portion of the main body; and a vent assembly operatively associated with the cape for providing ventilation to air respectively above and below the front and rear portions of the cape, the vent assembly coupled to both the translucent window panel and an edge of the cape defining the cutout.
 18. A cape according to claim 17, wherein the vent assembly is configured and adapted for accordion movement between open and closed configurations.
 19. A cape according to claim 18, wherein the first cutout portion defines a bottom edge, and the vent assembly is coupled to the bottom edge of the first cutout portion whereby the vent assembly is disposed in a substantially elevated position relative to a personal item of the user during use.
 20. A cape assembly according to claim 17, wherein the translucent panel member is detachably affixed to the front portion of the main body. 